MOUNT VERNON – Ruth Arlene (Wyman) Whittier, 80, died peacefully at home on February 4, 2006 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Readfield on Dec. 30, 1925, to William E. and Leah A. (Cole) Wyman. She lived in Mount Vernon most of her life. After graduating from high school, she worked for the state in Augusta. She commuted with Ray Whittier, who helped arrange her courtship with his brother, Porter, of Vienna.

Ruth and Porter were married on Feb. 20, 1946.

She was active in town affairs, serving for many years on the school board and as town treasurer. She also was a Girl Scout leader and member of the Rebecca Lodge.

She was bookkeeper for the Mount Vernon and Community Service Telephone Companies.

Ruth especially enjoyed being with her family and friends, and was a second mother to her late sister’s children and her first grandson.

She was proud of her yard, was an avid gardener and enjoyed her home-canned fruits and vegetables. She was a skilled knitter, rug maker and cook. Some favorite pastimes were antique browsing, auctions and card games. Her mind was always active, and she was a feisty woman who would say what was on her mind.

She is survived by children, Wanda and Waine, Wanda’s husband, Al Cushing, and Waine’s wife, Millie; grandchildren, Ellery Barrett, Lidie Robbins, Addie Michaud, Scott and Steven Cushing, Ellery’s wife, Tanya, Lidie’s husband, Josh, and Addie’s husband, Alfie; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Porter Barrett, Brynne Robbins, and Saige Michaud; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Porter; her parents; a sister; and two brothers.

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